Medicare Set Aside Administration

John Darer • February 10, 2019

Should You Self Administer MSA or Use Professional MSA Administration?

MSA Administration

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a helpful Workers Comp Medicare Set Aside Self Administration toolkit for those who are up to the task. The toolkit is 31 pages long and includes the above flow chart. Before taking the plunge into self administration carefully consider what you are getting into.

Why Do People Self Administer Their MSA?
  • Small amount of MSA
  • Perception that professional administration is costly
  • Lack of awareness of their ongoing responsibilities
One of the more "tasty" requirements for self administration is that you must determine if the treatment is related to the workers compensation injury AND is a Medicare covered service and Medicare fee schedules!.However, stringent guidelines must be followed because beneficiaries are held to the same standards to which a professional administrator is held with regard to what may and may not be paid from the MSA. The claimant has the same reporting requirements as a professional administrator.

Why consider professional administration for your MSA?

The cost of professional administration varies. A number of professional administrators now charge cost effective one time fees.

CMS WCMSA Self Adminstration Toolkit

*Someone at CMS forgot the " I before e, except after c" rule in the above chart!


USAA Life Insurance Company structured settlements
By John Darer June 9, 2025
Financial services provider USAA ranks 94th on Fortune 500. USAA Life Insurance Company, which earns the top rating of A++ from AMBest is often super competitive on longer term payment streams.
Prudential Income Advantage Indexed Structured Settlement Annuity
By John Darer June 2, 2025
John Darer reviews Prudential Income Advantage structured settlement annuity, which provides indexed structured settlement annuity option with the potential to grow personal injury settlement funds while offering protection from market declines. 2 IRS Private Letter Rulings!
structured settlement cash flow
By John Darer May 27, 2025
How would you like to have a "job" that provides you options of guaranteed income for life without being fired, guaranteed raises and no income taxes? If you're eligible, there are ALOT of openings. Find out if you're eligible.
independent life structured settlement annuities
By John Darer March 16, 2025
In the structured settlement annuity industry, dominated by many of the largest life insurers in the United States, Independent Life Insurance Company (ILIC) achieved significant milestones in 2024. Good news, positives and some concerns discussed in this lattest post.
Prudential and Pacific Life are among the world's most ethical companies
By John Darer March 13, 2025
Prudential and Pacific Life have once again been named among the world's most ethical companies. Prudential received the award for the 11th time., Pacific Life received the award for the 8th time. Prudential and Pacific Life are leading issuers of structured settlement annuities.
structured settlement annuity market expansion 2025
By John Darer March 13, 2025
John Darer reviews structured settlement annuity market expansion featuring 3 new entrants Athene Life & Annuity, American National (ANICO) and Puritan Life as well as MetLife's development of a best in class
settlement agreement and release
By John Darer February 11, 2025
What is a Settlement Agreement and Release? What is the role of a Settlement Agreement and Release in establishing a structured settlement? What is a compromise?
structured settlement market explained
By John Darer February 11, 2025
John Darer reviews the primary structured settlement market, secindary market and tertiary structured settlement markets
tax free structured settlement annuity
By John Darer February 7, 2025
A structured settlement annuity does not drive the tax consequences of structured settlement annuity payments. It is the type of damages the structured settlement annuity payments represent, as reflected in the relevant settlement documentation executed by the settling parties
structured settlement beneficiary
By John Darer January 29, 2025
Structured settlement beneficiary death claim. An executor cannot change the beneficiary of a structured settlement annuity. StructuredTypically, settlement agreements permit the Payee to name or change a beneficiary, provided such change is in writing and submitted to the Assigmment Company or annuity issuer in writing and in proper form.
More Posts